'Premature' to relax property cooling measures now

SINGAPORE: Existing concessions are already in place for those looking to upgrade their properties, and these are "reasonable and sufficient", said Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan on Monday (Aug 4).

MP Foo Mee Har asked in Parliament on Monday if the Government will consider relaxing some property cooling measure such as those relating to Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty so Singaporeans who meet the total debt obligation cap of 60 per cent can upgrade their properties while remaining financially prudent.

"Various concessions are already in place to benefit upgraders. The existing concessions are reasonable and sufficient. Any move to relax the cooling measures, including broadening these concessions, is premature under market conditions."

The minister said such a move could lead to an upswing in demand, which would increase the number of transactions and raise housing prices. "This would not be welcome to Singaporean home-buyers, particularly those with aspirations to upgrade," Mr Khaw added.